dataset: GFS1M

Groundwater Flow Systems (GFS) have been developed in the National Land and Water Resources Audit as a framework for dryland salinity management in Australia. Originally developed in a broad national context, GFS has since been applied at the Murray Darling Basin scale and consequently CMA scale to support and underpin the development of salinity management strategies across regional jurisdictions. GFS1M joins and aggregates the mapping for the Victorian CMAs where a GFS framework exists, and presents a statewide map with a consistent attribute framework. Of the order of 100 regional GFSs is condensed into 25 statewide GFSs. GMS1M is designed for broad statewide policy use only. The GFS framework encompasses: (a) identification of generalised conceptual models of groundwater behaviour in each of the region's geological and geomorphic provinces, (b) an assessment of the physical attributes of each system, and (c) first order consideration of potential salinity management strategies applicable within each GFS. A GFS will exhibit similar physical characteristics across its extent, and generally incorporate the complete groundwater flow path from recharge to discharge. Central to the framework is the assessment of the hydrogeological responsiveness of a GFS that guides appropriate land use to assist in the management of salinity. The development GFS framework for a region is typically undertaken through intense workshopping involving local expertise, then this documented in a regional GFS map and accompanying report. The consolidation of regional GFSs into GFS1M was undertaken by PIRVic and funded through NAP.